Tri Sri Lanka

Set on a hillside overlooking Sri Lanka’s largest natural lake, Tri’s 11 suites offer real tranquility spread out amidst a garden of banyan trees and frangipani. The design, complete with a cinnamon-clad water tower and imbued with a sense of place, sits harmoniously within the surrounding nature.

Location

An unspoilt rural setting in the south of the island, overlooking Koggala lake, with paddy fields and verdant jungle behind. Some of Sri Lanka’s best beaches are 15 minutes away, while the heritage, town of Galle Fort is 25 minutes. Colombo international airport is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive.

Tri Sri Lanka via Harper’s Bazaar

Style & character

A project of passion from British owner Rob Drummond and his wife, Lara Baumann, the swirling symmetry of Tri was masterminded by Raefer Wallis, of Shanghai’s A00 Architects, to meet the sustainable remit given. From recycled woods to utilising stripped cinnamon branches as a design element, to menu covers woven from banana fibre, Tri is contemporary, yet rooted in its surroundings and luxurious in its natural simplicity. A 21-metre cantilevered infinity pool juts out into the lake, the dividing line of the blue waters marked by a slender palm tree.

Service & facilities

Staffed by locals with a smile, the service is also professional. The accent is on wellbeing, with an open walled treetop yoga shala acting as the platform for the Quantum Yoga sessions developed by Lara Baumann. Adjoining it is a spa and both will offer guests a personalised wellness programme during their stay. There is a boat for trips across the lake to Cinnamon Island to see how the spice is harvested.

Bar

Laundry

Parking

Pool

Restaurant

Spa

Wi-Fi

Tri Sri Lanka via Tallentire House

Rooms

There are three suites in the Water Tower with a further eight, including the Master Suite at 140 square metres, housed in flat-roofed villas at the water’s edge. Hidden from one another, they spiral down the terraced landscape. Three come with plunge pools. Simple interiors mix recycled local Mara wood or Jakwood with natural granites in the shower-only bathrooms (apart from Suite 5 which has a tub as well). Shade on the windows is provided by slatted cinnamon sticks.

Food & drink

Executive Consultant Chef, Neil Wager, has caught the spirit of the hotel in the menus which celebrate all things local with finesse. From the cashew nut butter for the warm homemade bread, to the fresh, poached prawns from the lake served with sea urchins, and the creamy buffalo curd for breakfast, the food is sensational.

Food and drink is a highlight of staying at Tri – for guests of the hotel and those keen to visit us just for lunch or dinner. Light snacks are available by the pool and in your villa. A magnificent spread of rice and curry makes a memorable banquet of local spices and flavours. The relaxed living room menu offers a fusion of Sri Lankan and international cuisines throughout the day, from a trio of mini hoppers and short eats to platters of fresh local sushi.